Portable antimicrobial ultra violet sterilizer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a sterilization unit consisting of a cubical enclosure which uses a sequenced supply of ozone and ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC) wave length to sterilize. In use, an article to be sterilized is positioned atop a glass plate mounted between two sources of UVC radiation sources and ozone is first supplied to the enclosure for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes followed by a supply of UVC radiation for a period of 15 seconds to 60 minutes.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from provisionalapplication U.S. Ser. No. 61/171,346 filed Apr. 21, 2009. Saidapplication is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to sterilizing systems, and moreparticularly, to a portable antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer forinactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, viroids and spores.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of portable sterilizing devices is known in the prior art. Byway of illustration, medical facilities generally sterilize equipment byusing autoclaves having a pressurized steam and superheated waterprocess. This process is commonly used in microbiology, medicine, bodypiercing, veterinary science, dentistry, podiatry and metallurgy.Autoclaves are also used in curing carbon-fiber composite parts andrubber parts and for the treatment and sterilization of waste.

This steam sterilization process requires many steps and resources.

A typical sterilization procedure using an autoclave requires distilledwater, sterilization or biohazard bags, germicidal liquid spray wash,ultra sonic bathing and drying by air compressors.

Drawbacks of these autoclaves include high energy consumption, timewaste due to multiple step disinfecting sequences, environmentally toxicand costly harsh germicidal chemicals, and the deteriorating effects ofthe steam process on stainless steel surfaces. There are also well knownsafety risks attendant with high power and high pressure machinery suchas autoclaves, namely, where the water inside the autoclave has managedto become superheated, the pressure gauge may not indicate the presenceof steam even though the temperature may be significantly higher thanthe local boiling point for water. If the autoclave is opened in thisstate and the superheated water is disturbed, a steam explosion becomespossible. This phenomenon can easily produce fatal burns to people inthe vicinity of the explosion.

Other inherent limitations of this prior art technology exist becausedamp heat is used, and thus heat labile products (such as some plastics)cannot be sterilized this way or they will melt. Some paper or otherproducts that may be damaged by the steam must also be sterilizedanother way.

The prior art sterilization systems such as steam autoclaving, even atincreased temperatures, and ethylene oxide gas are not effective toprevent the transmission of prions and viroids via medical and surgicalequipment. Current sterilization methods for heat-resistant instrumentsinvolves at least a four step process of immersion in hypochloritefollowed by autoclaving, followed by a wash and rinse and then routinesterilization methods. Autoclaving generally involves immersion in asodium hydroxide solution. This has well known drawbacks sincehypochlorite and sodium hydroxide may be corrosive to some instruments,such as gold-plated instruments. There is also associated damage to theautoclaves caused by the sodium hydroxide. Autoclaving involves highpressure with steam to attain high temperatures. There is condensateformation during the cycle and hazardous substances such as sodiumhydroxide condensate in the autoclave that causes corrosion. Somesterilizer manufacturers have stated that this will void their warranty.Additionally, autoclaving with sodium hydroxide poses hazards tooperators as a result of the caustic vapors.

UV sterilization is known for use and sterilizing all manners ofobjects, and is used in purification and disinfection of water, air andsurface. Throughout the years ultraviolet technology has become wellestablished as a method of choice for its effectiveness, economy,safety, speed, ease of use, and because the process is free ofby-products. UV sterilization is a rapid sterilization method, withoutthe use of heat or chemicals. However, this process has not been reducedin practice to a readily accepted device and method for common usage.

UV sterilizers take many shapes and forms, and offer a variety offeatures. While these prior art UV sterilizers are presumably adequatefor their intended purposes, none of these prior art devices areconfigured adequately to a portable device or applications that can beused as commercial medical grade sterilization units that replaceconventional autoclaves or for low cost portable home units.

Therefore, there is a need for a new UV sterilization system platform toexpand on the prior art, and in particular, a system that provides aportable unit that can be adapted to many applications and overcome thelimitations of the prior art. This technology will have a dramaticimpact upon public health in third world countries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portablesterilization unit consisting of an enclosure which uses an ultra violetradiation in the C band wave length to sterilize objects and surfaces byinactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, viroids and spores. Thesterilization program sequentially irradiates articles with UV radiationat a wavelength that creates ozone (preferably 185 nm) followed byirradiation with germicidal UVC radiation wavelengths (preferably253-255 nm). Although the invention is not so limited, an embodiment ofthe enclosure defining a cubical or generally airtight rectangularshaped chamber will be described in greater detail to illustrate theinventive concepts.

To facilitate access to the interior of the chamber for insertion of theobjects to be sterilized, there is provided an entrance door on one ormore faces of the cubical structure. There is also provided a shelfformed of silica or quartz glass or sapphire plate disposedsubstantially in the central portion of the enclosure's interiorcompartment. Mounted in the interior of the chamber is at least oneozone lamp that spans substantially the full length of the interior ofthe chamber. Preferably, at least an elongated UVC lamp spanningsubstantially the entire width of the chamber is used. More preferably,at least two elongated UVC lamps are used and disposed opposing oneanother such that one lamp is mounted on an upper portion of the chamberand a second lamp is mounted on a lower portion of the chamber below theglass plate shelf. Even more preferably, two elongated UVC lamps aremounted in an upper portion of the chamber and four elongated UVC lampsare mounted on a lower portion of the chamber below the glass plateshelf.

To sterilize, an object is placed on a silica or quartz glass orsapphire plate shelf in the interior of the chamber. The door is thenclosed. The ozone lamp is electrically powered and emits UV radiation inthe interior of the chamber at 185 nm to create ozone gas in thechamber. Then, the UVC lamps are electrically powered and emit UVCradiation at 253.7 nm in the interior of the chamber. Any DNA basedorganisms on the objects being sterilized are destroyed and renderedharmless. It is further noted that using UVC type radiation in a selfcontained portable enclosure could be considered “green,”environmentally safe, and controlled with no adverse effects orresiduals.

Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to present a UVsterilization system that has none of the disadvantages of prior art.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the power requirements of asterilization system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the multiplicity of stepsand time requirements of the sterilization system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that eliminates, minimizes or greatly reduces the resourcerequirements of the sterilization system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that minimizes or greatly reduces the pressure requirementsof the sterilization system.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that can be used with heat liable products and paperproducts.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a UVsterilizer that can be operated by a hand crank.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a UV sterilizerthat is economical from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer,is susceptible of low manufacturing costs with regard to labor andmaterials, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices forthe consuming public, thereby making it economically available to thebuying public.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, eachembodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in anycombination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarilymeet each objective.

Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the presentinvention in order that the detailed description thereof may be betterunderstood, and that the present contribution to the art may be betterappreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the presentinvention that will be described herein and will form a part of thesubject matter of the claims appended to this specification. In thisrespect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangements of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the specification andthe drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a top left front perspective view of a portable antimicrobialultraviolet sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top right front perspective view of the portableantimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance dooropen and showing the interior of a sterilizing chamber.

FIG. 3 is a top right front perspective view of the portableantimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance doorremoved to further illustrate dimensions of the sterilizing chamber andthe printer of FIG. 1 removed to further illustrate the support slideassembly used to hold the printer.

FIG. 4 is a partially transparent left side orthogonal view of theportable antimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 illustrating thespatial relationships of UVC lamps, an ozone lamp and a glass shelf ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial orthogonal view of a curved corner of FIG. 1illustrating the use of a curved corner between a chamber's entrancedoor and its adjacent walls.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a present novel method used in asterilization session to destroy or render harmless any DNA basedorganisms on objects being sterilized.

The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have beenemphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the writtendescription.

PARTS LIST

-   2 sterilizer-   3 sterilizer housing-   4 ozone lamp-   5 parts compartment-   6 UVC lamp-   8 chamber-   10 ceiling of chamber-   12 floor of chamber-   14 side wall of chamber-   16 glass shelf upon which an article being sterilized is placeable-   18 stainless steel pin-   20 printer-   22 support slide assembly for printer-   24 display-   26 interior socket for receiving UVC wand-   28 exterior socket for receiving UVC wand-   30 user input/output interface-   32 ozone lamp operation monitor-   34 UVC lamp operation monitor-   36 door state switch-   38 door lock solenoid-   40 controller-   42 memory-   44 clock-   46 power selector-   48 wall power-   50 manual power generator-   52 battery-   54 entrance door-   56 width of chamber-   58 height of chamber-   60 depth of chamber-   62 curved corner-   63 radius of curved corner-   66 power switch-   70 front wall of sterilizer-   72 cancel switch-   74 step of turning on ozone lamp-   76 step of turning on UVC lamps-   78 step of checking whether condition met to advance to step of    turning on UVC lamps-   80 step of checking whether condition met to advance to step of    sterilization session complete-   82 step of checking whether condition met to advance to step of    sterilization session incomplete

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION

The term Ultraviolet C is abbreviated as UVC and used throughout thedocument. UVC generally refers to radiation of wavelengths ranging from280 nm to 100 nm and energy per photon ranging from 4.43 to 12.4 eV.Also, the term rectangular is understood to include the case where allsides of the geometric shape are of equal length, also known as anequilateral rectangle or a square.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a top left front perspective view of a portable antimicrobialultraviolet sterilizer. FIG. 2 is a top right front perspective viewthereof with the entrance door open and showing the interior of asterilizing chamber 8. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable sterilizer2 according to the present invention comprises a housing 3 which formstwo compartments, a parts compartment 5 that houses electronic andelectrical components and the chamber 8 that is used for the actualsterilization process. The parts compartment 5 houses operative andfunctional components of the unit such as a printer 20, ballasts, lampholders, sockets, micro switches, blower motor, ballasts, cooling fan,power supply, wiring and circuit fuses.

The chamber 8 is a generally rectangular cavity having a ceiling 10, afloor 12 opposingly disposed to the ceiling 10 and four side walls 14defining a spatial volume sufficient for irradiating an object by directcontact with UVC wavelengths. The chamber 8 is preferably rectangularand is formed of plastic, metal, stainless steel or other material thatis opaque to UV radiation and conducive to reflecting or scattering UVradiation within the chamber 8.

While the chamber 8 may also be made spherical, a rectangular chamber ismore easily manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniquesthan a spherical chamber. When a rectangular chamber is used, theapplicant discovered that it is advantageous to provide curved cornersin order to enhance scattering of ultraviolent radiation within thechamber 8.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber walls are formed of 304-308 gradestainless steel. The chamber's interior surfaces are preferably highlypolished mirror finish stainless steel to reflect and scatter the UVCradiation within the chamber 8. In another embodiment, the interiorsurface is coated with highly reflective white paint coating.

The size of the chamber 8 may vary depending upon the application,however, in most embodiments, the size will be such that the unit isportable. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the sterilizerapproximates the size of a conventional microwave oven. Typicalembodiments comprise a chamber volume ranging from about 1500 cubicinches to about 2500 cubic inches, preferably from about 1700 cubicinches to about 1900 cubic inches.

To facilitate access to the interior of the chamber 8 for insertion ofthe objects to be sterilized, there is provided an entrance door 54 onone or more walls of the chamber 8. In one embodiment, the entrance door54 is hingeably connected to an edge of the chamber 8 and secured usinga magnetic latch on an opposing edge. In another embodiment, theentrance door 54 is secured using a mechanical latch, solenoid orelectric magnetic coil. For ease of description, this side wall 14provided by the entrance door 54 will be referenced as the front,however, it is to be understood that any side may contain an entrancedoor or even several walls of the chamber 8 may feature an entrance door54. The entrance door 54 preferably contains a door gasket (notdepicted) to create and maintain a seal when the door is in the closedposition. In one embodiment, a handle is affixed to the entrance door 54to facilitate easy opening of the door 54 by a user. As will beappreciated, any size or configuration of handle may be used.

On the exterior of the chamber 8, preferably on the sterilizer frontwall 70, is disposed such display and user input/output interface as maybe desired for operation of the sterilizer. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 1, there is provided a visual display 24 and a user input/outputinterface 30. In one embodiment, the user input/output interface 30comprises a key pad or touch pad for receiving and transmitting userinput to the controller 40 and a communicating means to a deviceoperably connected to the user input/output interface 30. In anembodiment not shown, the communicating means comprises a wirelessterminal capable of transmitting data wirelessly from the controller toa device operably connected to the controller or from the device to thecontroller. The display is configurable to display any number ofindicators relating to the operation of the sterilizer.

In one embodiment, a value is displayed to indicate the usage hours ofeach UVC and ozone lamp in the sterilizer, a value is displayed toindicate the progress of a sterilization session and a value isdisplayed to indicate whether a sterilization session has beencompleted. All such indications aid a user in knowing when to change aUVC and/or ozone lamp and perform other periodic maintenance or testingactivities and whether a sterilization session was complete and/orsuccessful in sterilizing the articles. In another embodiment not shown,an analog or digital timer dial is provided and is operably connected tothe controller. As the timer dial is turned, a sterilization session isstarted. As the timer dial stops, the active sterilization session isterminated. When a timer dial is provided, the timer dial is preferablyone that allows for 0-60 minutes to indicate the duration of asterilization session. It is to be appreciated that other equivalentuser interfaces may be used to set a sterilization timer. The userinput/out interface and visual display may also be located on otherportions of the sterilizer.

There are also provided a power (on-off) switch 66 and an operationindicator 68 (for example a light) to indicate when the unit is inoperation. Alternatively, an operator indicator is digitally displayedon the display 24 in lieu of using a separate operation indicator. Inthe on state, the power switch 66 connects the controller and allcomponents operably connected to it and all lamps to a power source. Inthe off state, the power switch 66 removes the controller and allcomponents operably connected to it and all lamps from the power source.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exterior socket 28 allows a UVC wand to beoperably connected to the sterilizer for external use. A UVC wand may beconnected to a wall socket directly. However, a UVC wand that isconnected to the sterilizer receives the benefit of operating using aprogram set in the sterilizer. This is especially useful for surfaceswhich cannot be contained within the chamber 8, such as, for example,shelves, chairs, tables, equipment and the like. When used with theexterior socket, the UVC wand allows surfaces to be treated by wavingthe wand over the surface. The wand is preferably coupled with a halfmoon safety shield to protect the user from UVC radiation during use.

An interior socket 26 allows a UVC wand to be operably connected to theinterior of the chamber 8 for supplemental UVC radiation. A UVC wand ismost beneficially used on an object to be sterilized if the object isgenerally elongated and has a narrow lumen which the radiation of theUVC lamps 6 may not sufficiently reach. Placing the wand in the lumenprovides direct UVC radiation to these surfaces to maximize thesterilization effects.

FIG. 3 is a top right front perspective view of the portableantimicrobial ultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 with the entrance door 54removed to further illustrate dimensions of the sterilizing chamber andthe printer of FIG. 1 removed to further illustrate the support slideassembly used to hold the printer 20 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a partiallytransparent left side orthogonal view of the portable antimicrobialultraviolet sterilizer of FIG. 1 illustrating the spatial relationshipsof UVC lamps 6, an ozone lamp 4 and a glass shelf 16 of the presentinvention. Mounted in the interior of the chamber 8 is at least one UVClamp 6 that spans substantially the full width 56 of the chamber 8.Preferably, as depicted in FIG. 4, six functionally equivalent andelongated UVC lamps 6 are used. Two are substantially aligned with thewidth 56 of the chamber and disposed substantially symmetrically aboutthe depth 60 and width 56 of the ceiling 10 and provide combined workingUV power output of at least 8 watts. Four are substantially aligned withthe width 56 of the chamber and disposed substantially symmetricallyabout the depth 60 and width 56 of the floor 12 and provide combinedworking UV power output of at least 16 watts. Other lamp shapes (such asU-shaped) and mounting locations may be used as long as radiation isdirected such that all portions of the chamber 8 receive UVC radiation.In one embodiment, the width 56, depth 60 and height 58 are preferablyabout 15 inches, 12 inches and 12 inches, respectively. However, othersuitable dimensions can be used provided that the output requirementsdefined elsewhere herein of the ozone and UVC lamps are met.

The low pressure UVC lamps are most effective, because they emit most ofthe radiant energy in the germicidal wavelength of 253.7 nm to 254.3 nmin the UVC and germicidal part of the spectrum. The ozone lamp,preferably a high or very high ozone lamp, emits a radiation below 200nm, and preferably at 185 nm, which wavelengths produce ozone. Ozone hasdeodorizing properties and is in itself a bactericidal and fungicidalagent. This gaseous ozone contacts surfaces of the equipment that aredifficult or impossible to contact with the UVC waves, getting intohollow portions, small cavities, crevices and other apertures wheremicrobes, fungi, yeast, viruses and other germs may be hosted.

Preferably, as depicted in FIG. 4, an elongated ozone lamp 4 is disposedsubstantially centrally on the ceiling and parallel to and substantiallyspanning the width 56 of the chamber 8. Other ozone lamp shapes andmounting locations may also be used provided that the object to besterilized is fully exposed to ozone generated by such an ozone lamp.

There is also provided a shelf 16 formed of silica or quartz glass orsapphire plate disposed substantially centrally in the chamber 8 and/orbetween the two groups of UVC lamps on the ceiling 10 and on the floor12 with the shelf's 16 plane substantially parallel to the ceiling 10 orfloor 12. Referring to FIG. 4, the shelf 16 is supported by one or morestainless steel pins 18 or other mounting means known in the art. Thesilica or quartz glass or sapphire plate is of a grade that allows atleast 50% transmission of UVC short wave radiations, preferably at least55% transmission. A silica or quartz glass or sapphire plate must beused because ordinary window glass passes about 90% of the light above350 nm, but blocks over 90% of the light below 300 nm, the wavelength ofthe UVC lamp radiation. Though unintendedly, the glass plate effectivelydivides the chamber 8 into two portions, i.e., an upper portion and alower portion. In use, an object to be sterilized is disposed on theupper portion. Preferably, an ozone lamp 4 is beneficially disposed onthe upper portion of the chamber 8, enabling ozone generated by theozone lamp 4 to penetrate openings of the object to be sterilized.

FIG. 5 is a partial orthogonal view of a curved corner of the chamber 8of FIG. 2, illustrating the use of a curved corner between the entrancedoor 54 and one of its adjacent walls, for example, the ceiling 10.Curved corners promote reflection and scattering of UVC radiation andreduce the number of UVC lamps required to provide sufficient UVCradiation coverage within the chamber 8. Curved corners also reduce thenumber of surfaces (walls) on which UVC lamps are required, therebysimplifying the design of the sterilizer and reducing associatedmanufacturing and maintenance costs. As depicted, a curved corner 62 isformed on the ceiling 10 of the chamber 8 such that when the entrancedoor 54 is closed, a side wall 14 is formed, continuing the profileformed by the curved corner 62 of the ceiling 10 onto a vertical sidewall 14. The radius of the curved corner is defined by the relationshipwhere the ratio of the radius to the width 56 of the chamber 8, height58 of the chamber 8 or depth 60 of the chamber 8 preferably ranges from0.0026 to 0.1. In one preferred embodiment, the radius is about 0.25inches.

The UVC lamps 6 use an ultra violet radiation in the short-waveultraviolet radiation, in the “C” band (100 to 280 nanometers) tosterilize objects and surfaces by inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi,prions, viroids and spores. At wavelengths below 254 nm, UV-C (UVC) isalso referred to as UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation).Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a term used by FederalAgencies such OSHA, NIOSH and the CDC when referring to UVC at253.7-254.3 nm. UVC penetrates the outer structure of the cell andalters the DNA molecule, preventing replication and causing cell death.Specifically, UVC light at 253-254 nm causes damage to the nucleic acidof microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacentbases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevents the DNA frombeing unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable to reproduce.In fact, when the organism tries to replicate, it dies.

The present invention is effective in killing prions, in particularprion glycoproteins. Thus, the present device and method provide aneffective microbiocidal treatment against transmittable prion diseasesthat occur in humans and animals. As an illustrative example, thepresent invention kills the prions associated with the transmissiblespongiform encephalopathy (TSE) known more commonly as Creutzfeldt-Jakobdisease (CJD), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) incattle, and scrapie in sheep. These prions are also suspected to causeAlzheimer's disease and other brain plaque conditions. As anotherillustrative example, the present invention also kills the viroidsassociated with Hepatitis D.

The combination of ozone and UVC radiation treatment at the dosagementioned elsewhere in the specification is capable of inactivatingmicroorganisms such as prion, viroids, SARS, AIDS, HIV, e-coli,Agrobacterium lumefaciens 5, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Environ.Strain)1,2,3,4,5,9, Bacillus anthracis 1,4,5,7,9 (anthrax veg.), Pseudomonasaeruginosa (Lab. Strain) 5,7, Bacillus anthracis Spores (anthraxspores), Pseudomonas fluorescens 4,9, Bacillus megatherium Sp. (veg)4,5,9, Rhodospirillum rubrum 5, Bacillus megatherium Sp. (spores) 4,9,Salmonella enteritidis 3,4,5,9, Bacillus paratyphosus 4,9 Salmonellaparatyphi (Enteric Fever) 5,7, Bacillus subtilis 3,4,5,6,9, SalmonellaSpecies 4,7,9, Bacillus subtilis Spores 2,3,4,6,9, Salmonellatyphimurium 4,5,9 Clostridium tetani, Salmonella typhi (Typhoid Fever)7, Clostridium botulinum Salmonella, Corynebacterium diphtheriae1,4,5,7,8,9, Sarcina lutea 1,4,5,6,9, Dysentery bacilli 3,4,7,9,Serratia marcescens 1,4,6,9, Eberthella typhosa 1,4,9, Shigelladysenteriae—Dysentery 1,5,7,9, Escherichia coli 1,2,3,4,9, Shigellaflexneri—Dysentery 5,7, Legionella bozemanii 5, Shigella paradysenteriae4,9 Legionella dumoffill 5, Shigella sonnei 5, Legionella gormanil 5,Spirillum rubrum 1,4,6,9, Legionella micdadei 5, Staphylococcus albus1,6,9, Legionella longbeachae 5, Staphylococcus aureus 3,4,6,9,Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaire's Disease), Staphylococcusepidermidis 5,7, Leptospira canicola—Infectious Jaundice 1,9,Streptococcus faecaila 5,7,8, Leptospira interrogans 1,5,9,Streptococcus hemolyticus 1,3,4,5,6,9, Micrococcus candidus 4,9,Streptococcus lactis 1,3,4,5,6, Micrococcus sphaeroides 1,4,6,9,Streptococcus pyrogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1,3,4,5,7,8,9,Streptococcus salivarius, Neisseria catarrhalis 1,4,5,9, Streptococcusviridans 3,4,5,9, Phytomonas tumefaciens 1,4,9, Vibrio comma (Cholera)3,7, Proteus vulgaris 1,4,5,9, Vibrio cholerae 1,5,8,9, Aspergillusamstelodami, Oospora lactis 1,3,4,6,9, Penicillium chrysogenum,Aspergillus flavus 1,4,5,6,9, Aspergillus glaucus 4,5,6,9, Penicilliumdigitatum 4,5,6,9, Aspergillus niger (breed mold) 2,3,4,5,6,9,Penicillium expansum 1,4,5,6,9, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium roqueforti1,2,3,4,5,6, Mucor racemosus (A & B) 1,3,4,6,9, Rhizopus nigricans(cheese mold) 3,4,5,6,9, Chlorella vulgaris (algae) 1,2,3,4,5,9, Giardialamblia (cysts) 3, Blue-green Algae, Nematode Eggs 6, E. hystolytica,Paramecium 1,2,3,4,5,6,9, Adeno Virus Type III 3, Influenza1,2,3,4,5,7,9, Bacteriophage 1,3,4,5,6,9, Rotavirus 5, Coxsackie,Tobacco Mosaic 2,4,5,6,9, Infectious Hepatitis 1,5,7,9, Baker's Yeast1,3,4,5,6,7,9, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 4,6,9, Brewer's Yeast1,2,3,4,5,6,9, Saccharomyces ellipsoideus 4,5,6,9, Common Yeast Cake1,4,5,6,9, Saccharomyces sp. 2,3,4,5,6,9.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. A controller 40 is provided to control operations of thesterilizer 2. A user Input/Output interface 30 functionally connected tothe controller 40 is further provided to receive inputs from a user or adevice and send outputs to the user or the device. By way of example andnot limitation, the device is a keypad, touch pad, computer, a monitor,an MP3 player, MP4 player, a digital display, an ipod, an ipad, a fingerprint reader, a security card reader, an entry code reader, a smartphone and the like. A display 24 functionally connected to thecontroller 40 is provided to display the result of a sterilizationsession or communicate other pertinent information from the controllerto a walk-up user. A printer 20 functionally connected to the controller40 is provided to receive and provide a printout of the resultcorresponding to a sterilization session if requested. A power switch 66is provided to enable or halt all operations of the sterilizer 2. A doorstate switch 36 functionally connected to the controller is provided toindicate whether the entrance door 54 is open. In the off state, thepower switch 66 removes power from all components of the sterilizer,thereby halting all activities including programming of the sterilizer.When the door state switch 36 indicates an opened entrance door 54, theuser may still program the controller in order to set a sterilizingprogram.

There are provided six UVC lamps 6 and an ozone lamp 4 that are operablyconnected to the controller 40. A UVC lamp operation monitor 32functionally connected to the controller 40 is further provided todetect proper operation of the UVC lamps 32 and it provides anindication to the controller 40 whether the UVC lamps are functioningproperly. An example parameter monitored by the lamp operation detector32 is the amount of electrical current at an electrical potential theUVC lamps 6 source to function at the level expected to provide propersterilization. If the electrical current at the electrical potentialreceived by the UVC lamps 6 deviates from a predetermined range, a faultcondition is issued by the UVC lamp operation monitor 32 and received bythe controller 40. Similarly, an ozone lamp operation monitor 34functionally connected to the controller 40 is further provided todetect the proper operation of the ozone lamp 4. If the electricalcurrent at an electrical potential received by the ozone lamp 4 deviatesfrom a predetermined range, a fault condition is issued by the ozonelamp operation monitor 34 and received by the controller 40. In oneembodiment, the controller 40 further communicates the fault conditionto a remote server which then specifies the failure and a need forservice.

The controller 40 further comprises a memory 42 and a clock 44. Theresult of a sterilization session may be saved in the memory 42 forlater retrieval. A section of the memory 42 is preferably reserved forlong-term storage of sterilization session data and is erasable only bya trained professional. This long-term storage facilitates auditing ofsterilization session data which can be traced back for a number ofyears. In another embodiment, sterilization session data is additionallytransmitted to an offsite location for storage or notification purposes.The clock 44 enables the controller to perform time-keeping operationssuch as providing realtime time stamps to a sterilization session. Atypical sterilization session result comprises an indication whether asterilization session runs to completion. A successfully completedsterilization session is defined as a sterilization session in which afault has not occurred during the entire duration of the sterilizationsession. A successfully completed sterilization session however does notnecessarily indicate a successful sterilization session. In the presentembodiment, for each sterilization session, an unused UVC test strip isfurther provided and substantially centrally disposed prior to thecommencement of each sterilization session such that the properfunctioning of the UVC lamps can be verified. At the end of thesterilization session, the evidence of exposure to the UVC lamps on theUVC test strip is visually read, quantified and compared to apre-established standard for sufficient UVC exposure corresponding to apass condition. Similarly, in the present embodiment, an unused ozonetest strip is further provided and disposed on the upper surface of theglass plate 16 prior to the commencement of each sterilization sessionsuch that the proper functioning of the ozone lamp can be verified. Atthe end of a sterilization session, the evidence of exposure to theozone lamp on the ozone test strip is visually read, quantified andcompared to a pre-established standard for sufficient ozone exposurecorresponding to a pass condition. A pass condition from both UVC andozone test strips and the successful completion of a sterilizationsession constitute a successful sterilization session. If asterilization report is desired, the visually determined test stripsdata is entered manually via the user Input/Output interface 30 suchthat the controller 40 can determine whether the sterilization sessionwas successful and saves such a result to the memory 42.

Alternatively, an automatic indication of a successful sterilizationsession may also be provided by using a UVC detector and an ozonedetector, both functionally connected to the controller 40. At the endof a sterilization session, the evidence and level of exposure to theozone lamp and UVC lamp on the ozone and UVC test strips areautomatically read respectively, quantified and compared to a theircorresponding pre-established standards for sufficient ozone and UVCexposure respectively corresponding to a pass condition.

There is further provided a lock solenoid 38 functionally connected tothe controller 40 for locking the entrance door 54 in its closedposition. For safety reasons, before a sterilization session can begin,the controller 40 checks whether the entrance door 54 is closed byreceiving a reading from the door state switch 36. If the entrance door54 is determined to be closed, the lock solenoid 38 is then activatedsuch that the entrance door 54 is locked. Upon the completion orcancellation of a sterilization session, the ozone and UVC lamps aredeactivated and the lock solenoid 38 is deactivated such that theentrance door 54 becomes unlocked.

An internal socket 26 functionally connected to the controller 40 isfurther provided in the interior of the chamber 8. The sterilizationprogram set for the UVC lamps 8 is applied to a UVC wand connected tothe internal socket 26. By way of illustration, U.S. Pat. Pub. No.20080260601 discloses a UV sterilizing wand which can be adapted to bepowered by plugging its power cord into the internal socket 26, whichpatent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.Such an additional sterilizing source is most beneficial when an objectto be sterilized has a generally opaque structure consisting of narrowopenings which cannot be easily reachable by using merely the UVC lamps6 of the sterilizer 2 according to the present invention.

An external socket 26 functionally connected to the controller 40 isfurther provided on the exterior of the chamber 8. The sterilizationprogram set for the UVC lamps 8 is applied to a UVC wand connected tothe external socket 28. Alternatively, a separate sterilization programcan be applied. Generally, a wand is used externally when an object tobe sterilized is too big to be placed within the chamber 8.

The sterilizer 2 typically receives power from a conventional AC powersource such as a wall power outlet 48. However, in certain circumstanceswhere wall power is limited, unavailable or not easily accessible, abattery 52 can be functionally connected to the controller 40 as analternative power source. A power selector 46 is used to selectablyallow the user to select the power source from which to power thesterilizer 2. The power selector 46 is essentially a manual single poledouble throw switch which selectively connects the wall power 48 orbattery 52 to the controller 40. An inverter is provided to convert thebattery DC power to AC power in order to power the controller 40. Itshall be appreciated that other equivalent means of switching powersource may be suitably employed. It shall also be appreciated that thecontroller 40 may or may not provide power directly to any componentsthat require electrical power to run. Conventionally, power electronicsreceive their power directly from the power source and not through acontroller. In a preferred embodiment, a manual power generator 50 isfurther provided to allow a user to recharge the battery 52. A manualpower generator 50 is essentially a device that converts human power toelectrical power. Though not required, it is generally a hand crank inthe form of a rotary device is fitted with a handle which can be turnedto create DC power. In this instance, the battery 52 is a rechargeablebattery. It should be appreciated that various other means of generatingpower to be stored in the battery 52 are readily available to thoseskilled in the art. For instance, electrical energy may alternatively begenerated from solar panels and wind turbines.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a present novel method used in asterilization session to destroy or render harmless any DNA basedorganisms on objects being sterilized. To sterilize, an object is placedon the glass shelf 16 in the interior of the chamber 8 as depicted inFIG. 2. The entrance door 54 is then closed. The method comprises stepof turning on 74 ozone lamp for a first predetermined duration of from15 seconds to 60 minutes, preferably from 15 to 60 seconds. A timercorresponding to the predetermined duration is started. At least oneozone lamp 4 capable of producing from at least 0.25 to 10 grams perhour of ozone is used. In one embodiment, an ozone lamp 4 capable ofemitting UV radiation at wavelength of about 185 nm is used. Referringto FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 40 checks whether the timer has expired78. If the timer has expired, the controller 40 continues to execute thepreprogrammed next step. The controller 40 further checks whether anevent has occurred that canceled the current sterilization session 82.For instance, if the ozone lamp operation monitor 34 detects a faultcondition, the sterilization session will be stopped, rendering thesterilization session incomplete.

The method further comprises step of turning on 76 at least one UVC lampbut preferably six UVC lamps for a second predetermined duration of from15 seconds to 60 minutes, preferably from 15 to 60 seconds. A timercorresponding to the predetermined duration is started. In a preferredembodiment, at least one UVC lamp capable of supplying UVC radiation ata wavelength of about 253.7 nm and dosage of from at least 100 to 800microwatts per square centimeter at one meter from the UVC lamp is used.Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 40 checks whether the timerhas expired 80. If the timer has expired, the controller continues toindicate that the sterilization session has been completed. If the timercontinues to run, the controller 40 further checks whether an event hasoccurred that canceled the current sterilization session 82. Forinstance, if the ozone lamp operation monitor 34 detects a faultcondition, the sterilization session will be stopped, rendering thesterilization session incomplete.

The ozone molecules formed as a result of the ozone lamp absorbultraviolet radiation having wavelengths between 240 and 310 nm. Uponabsorbing ultraviolet radiation of wavelength of 254 nm, each triatomicozone molecule becomes diatomic molecular oxygen molecule O₂ plus a freeoxygen atom O, thereby reducing the ozone O₃ concentration to anacceptable level as depicted in the following chemical reaction.

O₃+(240 nm<radiation<310 nm)→O₂+O

As it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ozone is anoxidative agent which must be avoided when concentration rises above0.05 ppm in an indoor environment, Conventionally, ozone evacuation ortreatment becomes necessary when ozone concentration rises beyond alevel capable of producing health hazards. Such evacuation or treatmentrequires purpose-built equipment which adds to the cost of producingsuch a sterilizer, Applicant discovered that by sequencing the operationof the ozone and UVC lamps, production and neutralization of ozone isaccomplished within a sterilization session without requiring additionalsteps or equipment. The ozone generated and used in the sterilizationsession is completely decomposed to form oxygen molecules and oxygenatoms, thereby rendering the sterilizer safe to be handled withoutadditional treatment. At the successful conclusion of a sterilizationsession, any DNA based organisms on the objects being sterilized aredestroyed and rendered harmless.

In one aspect, the equipment to be sterilized is first rinsed orimmersed in an antimicrobial or biocidal solution. Preferably, thesolution is a non-alcohol based cleaning solution. In one aspect, theequipment is immersed in a solution prepared according to the teachingsin United States Published Patent Application 20100006804 to Sakovich etal for “A highly protonated, supercharged, low pH, non-corrosivecomposition,” which patent application is incorporated by reference inits entirety herein. This product is sold under the trade name Saniphexby Odysseus Industries, Inc., 8348 Little Road, New Port Richey, Fla.

What has been disclosed, is a portable antimicrobial ultravioletsterilizer for inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, viroidsand spores. Obviously, many modifications and variations of theinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeunderstood that the invention is not to be limited by the singleembodiment shown in the drawings and described in the description, whichare given by way of example and not of limitation, but only inaccordance with the scope of the appended claims. As such, those skilledin the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which thisdisclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for thedesigning of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructioninsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of theconception regarded as the present invention.

1. A portable sterilizer comprising an enclosure defining a chamberhaving space therein and an entrance door for receiving articles to besterilized according to a particular sterilization program of exposureof the articles to ultraviolet radiation and ozone gas, a UVC supplyarranged to supply germicidal UVC radiation into said chamber, an ozonesupply arranged to supply ultraviolet radiation into said chamber at anoxidizing wavelength such that ozone is produced, a power source and acontroller arranged to control operation of said sterilizer.
 2. Theportable sterilizer of claim 1, wherein said ozone supply suppliesultraviolet radiation at about 185 nm for a first predetermined durationranging from about 15 seconds to about 60 minutes and said UVC supplysequentially supplies said ultraviolet radiation at from about 253.7 nmto about 254.3 nm for a second predetermined duration ranging from about15 seconds to about 60 minutes.
 3. The portable sterilizer of claim 2,wherein said first predetermined duration ranges from about 15 secondsto about 60 seconds and said second predetermined duration ranges fromabout 15 seconds to about 60 seconds.
 4. The portable sterilizer ofclaim 1, further comprising a support shelf formed of silica or quartzglass or sapphire plate disposed substantially centrally of saidchamber, wherein said support shelf receives said articles forsterilization and transmits at least 55% of UVC radiation.
 5. Theportable sterilizer of claim 1, wherein said UVC supply comprises atleast one UVC lamp configured to supply UVC radiation at wavelength offrom about 253.7 nm to about 254.4 nm, spans substantially the fullwidth of said chamber and produces from about 100 microwatts to about800 microwatts per square centimeter at one meter from said at least oneUVC lamp.
 6. The portable sterilizer of claim 1, where said ozone supplycomprises at least one ozone lamp configured to supply UV radiation at awavelength of about 185 nm that is disposed substantially centrally on atop wall of said chamber, spans substantially the full width of saidchamber and produces from about 0.25 grams to about 10 grams per hour ofozone.
 7. The portable sterilizer of claim 1, wherein an interiorsurface of said chamber comprises a material that is reflective of andopaque to ultraviolet radiation.
 8. The portable sterilizer of claim 7,wherein said interior surface is formed of polished mirror finishstainless steel.
 9. The portable sterilizer of claim 7, wherein saidinterior surface comprises a highly reflective white paint coating. 10.The portable sterilizer of claim 1, wherein said chamber is generallyrectangular and each corner of said chamber is curved to enhancescattering of said ultraviolet radiation.
 11. The portable sterilizer ofclaim 10, wherein each said curved corner comprises a radius where theratio of said radius to a width, height or depth of said chamberpreferably ranges from 0.0026 to 0.1.
 12. The portable sterilizer ofclaim 1, wherein said UVC supply comprises two UVC lamps disposedsubstantially on a top wall of said chamber to output combined workingUV power output of at least 8 watts and four UVC lamps disposedsubstantially on a bottom wall of said chamber to output combinedworking UV power output of at least 16 watts.
 13. The portablesterilizer of claim 1, wherein said power source is selectably connectedto and receives power from a conventional NC power supply or the outputof an inverter operably connected to a battery.
 14. The portablesterilizer of claim 13, wherein said battery receives energy from ahuman-powered hand crank.
 15. The portable sterilizer of claim 1,further comprising a visual display operably connected to saidcontroller and providing a representation of an output from saidcontroller wherein said output comprises result data and UVC or ozonelamp condition data of said sterilization program.
 16. The portablesterilizer of claim 15, wherein said visual display comprises an outputselected from the group consisting of a printer, a computer, a monitor,a digital display, an MP3 player, an MP4 player, an ipod, an ipad and asmart phone.
 17. The portable sterilizer of claim 1, further comprisinga socket for receiving a UVC wand disposed on an interior of saidchamber, wherein said socket is operably connected to said controllersuch that when said UVC wand is operably connected to said portablesterilizer, said UVC wand is controllable using a predetermined programof said controller and said entrance door is fully closable such thatUVC radiation and ozone are contained within said chamber during saidsterilization program.
 18. The portable sterilizer of claim 15, whereinsaid portable sterilizer further comprises a solenoid lock, a doorswitch configured to indicate the state of said entrance door and afault condition detection system, wherein said door switch indicates thestate of said entrance door, wherein a state indicating that saidentrance door is open prevents actuation of said ozone and UVC supplies,said solenoid lock is actuated when said door switch indicates saidentrance door is closed and just prior to the start of a sterilizationprogram to prevent accidental opening of said entrance door andaccidental exposure of a user to ozone or combined ozone and UVCradiation, said solenoid lock is deactuated after said sterilizationprogram is complete or canceled, and said fault condition detectionsystem comprises a UVC lamp operation monitor configured to detect andcommunicate a UVC lamp failure condition to said controller and an ozonelamp operation monitor configured to detect and communicate an ozonelamp failure condition to said controller such that said controllerreports a fault condition to said visual display and stores said faultcondition to a non-volatile memory if at least one of said UVC and ozonelamp operation monitors detects a fault and said controller reports apass condition to said visual display and stores said pass condition tosaid non-volatile memory if both of said UVC and ozone lamp operationmonitors fail to detect a fault after said sterilization program hasconcluded.
 19. A portable sterilizer comprising: an enclosure defining agenerally rectangular chamber having space therein for receivingarticles to be sterilized according to a particular sterilizationprogram of exposure of the articles to ultraviolet radiation and ozonegas, wherein at least a wall of said chamber comprises an entrance door,an interior surface of said chamber comprises a material that isreflective of and opaque to ultraviolet radiation, and each corner ofsaid chamber is curved to enhance scattering of said ultravioletradiation, a UVC supply arranged to supply ultraviolet radiation atwavelength of from about 253.7 to about 254.3 nm into said chamber, anozone supply arranged to supply ultraviolet radiation at wavelength ofabout 185 nm into said chamber, a support shelf formed of silica orquartz glass or sapphire plate disposed substantially centrally of saidchamber, wherein said support shelf receives said articles forsterilization and transmits at least 55% of UVC radiation, a powersource, a controller arranged to control operation of the portablesterilizer and having a non-volatile memory operably connected to saidcontroller, a user input/output interface, wherein said userinput/output interface enables communication between said controller anda device selected from a group consisting of a computer, a touchpad, akey pad, a monitor, a digital display, an MP3 player, an MP4 player, anipod, an ipad, a finger print reader, a security card reader, an entrycode reader, and a smart phone, and a visual display operably connectedto said controller and providing a representation of an output from saidcontroller wherein said output comprises result data of saidsterilization program, wherein said ozone supply supplies ultravioletradiation at about 185 nm for a first predetermined duration rangingfrom 15 seconds to 60 minutes and said UVC supply sequentially suppliesultraviolet radiation at about 253.7-254.3 nm for a second predeterminedduration ranging from 15 seconds to 60 minutes.
 20. A method forsterilizing an article comprising the steps of: placing said article inan enclosure defining a generally rectangular and generally airtightchamber having space therein for receiving articles to be sterilized,exposing said article to ozone gas in said chamber for a period of fromabout 15 seconds to about 60 minutes at a rate of about 0.25 grams toabout 10 grams per hour, and exposing said article to UVC radiation insaid chamber for a period of from about 15 seconds to about 60 minutesat a rate of about 100 microwatts to about 800 microwatts per squarecentimeter at one meter from a UVC source irradiating at a wavelength ofabout 254 nm.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said article is placedon a support shelf formed of silica or quartz glass or sapphire platedisposed substantially centrally of said chamber, wherein said supportshelf receives said article for sterilization and transmits at least 55%of UVC radiation.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein an interiorsurface of said chamber comprises a material that is reflective of andopaque to ultraviolet radiation, and each corner of said chamber iscurved to enhance scattering of said ultraviolet radiation.
 23. Themethod of claim 20, wherein said chamber has at least one UVC lamp thatis configured to supply UVC radiation at wavelength of from about 253.7nm to about 254.4 nm, spans substantially the full width of said chamberand produces from about 100 microwatts to about 800 microwatts persquare centimeter at one meter from said at least one UVC lamp.
 24. Themethod of claim 20, wherein said chamber has at least one ozone lampconfigured to supply UV radiation at a wavelength of about 185 nm thatis disposed substantially centrally on a top wall of said chamber, spanssubstantially the full width of said chamber and produces from about0.25 grams to about 10 grams per hour of ozone.